We’re approaching a decade since Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007, a massive leap in the evolution of smartphones that led to handheld, internet-connected computers ending up in the pockets of the vast majority of mobile phone users in America. So what is standing in the way of throwing away our wallets in favor of mobile payments?

The CARD Act went into effect in 2009 as a way to protect college students and their credit scores from the danger of too easy debt sweetened by branded swag. The results have been dramatic and part of a larger trend in the credit industry.

When it comes to sending credit card promotions in the mail, credit scores are only one data point among many used by card issuers to target mailboxes for their avalanche of offers. You might be surprised when you find out why you have so many limited time offers in your mailbox.

​Americans are shopping again and they are increasingly charging it. Growth in credit card and auto loan debt added to the $35 billion increase in aggregate household debt for a total of $12.29 trillion at the end of June according to government reports.

A new change to the process of applying for federal financial aid could lead students to make smarter choices when borrowing for college. Starting this year, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which was previously available for students and their families to fill out in January, is available starting October 1.

​Major security breaches have become too common of a story, with retailers and websites hacked with alarming frequency. It has become so common that it can often take a fairly egregious breach – think SONY in 2014, or Target in 2013 – for something to become a high-profile news story. It also comes with a high price tag.

Until recently, it could be expensive and confusing for the average consumer to access their credit scores and reports. A side effect of this was a proliferation of rumors about the best way to manage credit. Like any good urban legend, it’s hard to know exactly where these got started. Since Credit Karma launched in 2008 we’ve heard a lot of them and have done our best to put them to rest.

The latest TransUnion Industry Insights Report found that the rate of credit card payments that were 90 days overdue or more dropped nearly 9 percent in the last year, from 1.27 percent to 1.16 percent of total payments.

With more than 75 million members, Credit Karma has unique insights on everything from credit cards and mortgages to personal, student and auto loans. If you are working on a personal finance story that could be informed by geographic, demographic or socioeconomic data or tips for living the best financial life, we might be able to help.